When Ponce de Leon visited Southwest Florida in 1513, he discovered some of North America's most pristine tropical islands, yet it was here that the explorer met his death at the hands of the Calusa Indians who has made their home on the islands since 500BC. Remaing relatively isolated until the mid-1900's the islands have become world renowned as a sports fishing paradise, restful retreat, and home to some of the world's best beaches. It is not surprising visitors and residents find the lifestyles and histories of Lee County's quaint islands worth preserving.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today.